In cooperation with Prevent Child Abuse NJ, the Atlantic County Youth Services Commission is partnering with area organizations throughout Atlantic County to raise awareness of child abuse and promote prevention with the planting of pinwheel gardens at more than 60 locations during April, Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The blue and silver pinwheels symbolize childhood innocence and the carefree experiences that should define childhood, according to Curtis Still, director of Youth Services.
It is estimated that one in 100 children in New Jersey experiences abuse. Research indicates that adverse childhood experiences may result in longterm health impacts and increased costs to society.
“We all have a role to play in providing a safe and supportive environment for the children in our lives,” Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said. “They are our greatest assets. They are our future.”
April was first declared National Child Abuse Prevention Month by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. The month serves to raise awareness and encourage communities to work together for solutions to prevent the abuse and neglect of our children.
Pinwheel gardens will be displayed by the following organizations: Atlantic County government and four library branches (Egg Harbor Township, Hammonton, Mays Landing and Somers Point), Atlantic County Institute of Technology, Atlantic Cape Community College, Atlantic City Police Athletic League, Atlantic County Family Success Centers, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Faith Baptist Church, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, Pleasantville School District, DCF Regional school, IDEAL Institute of Technology, New Jersey Youth Corps, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Pleasantville Housing Authority, Stanley Holmes Village, Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, Family Success Centers (Inland, New Day and Hammonton), Oceanside Family Success Centers 1 and II, among others.
Garden installations are being provided by Windy Crest Media, Atlantic City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Atlantic City Alumnae Chapter, supported by members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; the NJ Youth Corps of Atlantic County; and a host of youth from neighborhoods throughout Atlantic County.
Cape May County is also participating with garden displays at Cape May County Arc, Women’s Club of Cape May, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Office of Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, Atlantic Cape Community College, and CASA.
A recognition event for participants will be held on Thursday, April 30 at Lakes Bay Community Park in Pleasantville.
